Rich and Flavorful Duck à l’Orange

Rich and Flavorful Duck à l’Orange

Duck à l’Orange is a classic French dish that marries the savory taste of duck with the sweet and tangy flavor of oranges. The dish is renowned for its crispy skin, tender meat, and a beautifully balanced orange sauce. It’s perfect for a sophisticated dinner party or a special family meal.

Ingredients:
#For the Duck:
– 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds)
– Salt
– Black pepper

#For the Orange Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons cold water
– 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
1.1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
1.2 Rinse the duck thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Seasoning the Duck:
2.1 Season the duck both inside and out with salt and black pepper.
2.2 Prick the skin of the duck all over with a fork or sharp knife. This helps release fat while cooking and achieves crispy skin.

3. Roasting the Duck:
3.1 Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan.
3.2 Roast in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. The duck should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3.3 Baste the duck with its own fat every 30 minutes for an extra crispy and flavorful skin.

4. Making the Orange Sauce:
4.1 While the duck is roasting, begin preparing the sauce.
4.2 In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, chicken broth, white wine vinegar, and granulated sugar.
4.3 Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
4.4 In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry.
4.5 Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce to thicken it.
4.6 Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
4.7 Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the butter for a rich finish.

5. Serving:
5.1 Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
5.2 Carve the duck into serving pieces.
5.3 Drizzle the orange sauce over the duck pieces.
5.4 Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy the exquisite combination of crispy duck and luscious orange sauce in this traditional Duck à l’Orange!